Sanjay Dutt's Grand Comeback in a Spooky Avatar: 'The Raja Saab' First Look Unveiled on His Birthday

The Raja Saab Drops Sanjay Dutt’s First Look — A Perfect Birthday Surprise!

In a move that has electrified Indian cinema fans, the makers of The Raja Saab unveiled the first look of Sanjay Dutt from the upcoming horror-comedy on the occasion of his 66th birthday — and it’s nothing short of spine-chilling!

Marking a fresh chapter in Dutt’s cinematic journey, the actor will be seen playing the grandfather of Prabhas’s character in the film. This is not just a return to Telugu cinema but also a bold leap into a genre Dutt hasn’t explored before — supernatural horror-comedy, wrapped in regional charm and pan-India storytelling ambition.

Let’s unpack everything we know about The Raja Saab, from Dutt’s haunted appearance to the massive scale of the production.

First Look: A Ghostly Grandfather With an Aura of Mystery

The first poster released by the makers on social media shows Sanjay Dutt seated on an antique chair in a dusty, abandoned mansion. With a rugged expression, long flowing grey hair, and a heavy moustache, the image radiates mystery and authority. His surroundings are drenched in cobwebs, dim lighting, and decaying architecture — signaling that this “grandfather” may not just be a supporting elder but perhaps a supernatural force that drives the story forward.

The caption read:“Team #TheRajaSaab wishes the Powerhouse and versatile Sanju Baba – @duttsanjay a very Happy Birthday. Get ready to witness a terrifying presence that will shake you to the core this Dec 5th in cinemas.”

This chilling first look has been a viral hit, with fans and industry insiders alike praising the makeup, mood, and mystery of Dutt's transformation.

Sanjay Dutt as the Ghostly Patriarch: What We Know

This marks a unique career turn for Dutt, who’s known for intense roles in films like Vaastav, Agneepath, and Khalnayak. In The Raja Saab, he plays the deceased grandfather of the protagonist, who is believed to haunt an ancestral haveli. According to early buzz, his spirit may not be entirely villainous — think more of a guiding (but frightening) force, filled with both menace and wisdom.

His look, designed with intricate prosthetics and period costumes, adds to the gothic-horror aesthetic of the film.

Meet the Team Behind The Raja Saab Cast:

• Prabhas – The leading man, playing a young heir to a cursed mansion.

• Sanjay Dutt – His grandfather, whose ghost plays a pivotal role.

• Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, and Riddhi Kumar – Playing the female leads, adding drama, romance, and comedy.

• Boman Irani, VTV Ganesh, Samuthirakani, and Sapthagiri – Supporting roles that promise a diverse blend of humor and thrill.

Crew:

• Director: Maruthi – Known for his unique mix of horror and comedy (Prema Katha Chitram, Bhale Bhale Magadivoy).

• Music: Thaman S – Bringing in a blend of eerie scores and foot-tapping tracks.

• Cinematography: Karthik Palani – Handling the visual storytelling of both gothic horror and vibrant comedy.

• Editing: Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao – A master at maintaining pace in complex genres.

The Biggest Indoor Set in Indian Cinema

One of the biggest talking points around The Raja Saab is the massive indoor set — a haunted mansion constructed over 41,000 square feet in Hyderabad. Built with painstaking detail by over 1,200 workers, the set features secret tunnels, shadowy corridors, ancient paintings, broken chandeliers, and fog-covered courtyards.

This isn't just a backdrop — it's a character in the story.

According to reports, director Maruthi wanted the haveli to reflect the psychological weight of the story. “The house should scare you before the ghost does,” he said in an interview. Every creaking door and flickering candle has been choreographed for atmospheric intensity.

The Plot (As We Know It)

While the film's storyline is under wraps, here's what insiders and leaks suggest:

Prabhas plays a financially struggling man who inherits a crumbling haveli from his estranged family. Planning to sell it, he visits the place — only to realize it is haunted by the spirit of his grandfather (Sanjay Dutt). As the plot unfolds, secrets of the past, unfinished family business, and a love story entangle with supernatural comedy.

Think Bhool Bhulaiyaa meets Brahmāstra, with a regional twist.

Release Strategy & OTT Buzz

Theatrical Release:

The Raja Saab is scheduled to hit theatres on December 5, 2025 — just in time for the holiday season, giving it a potential box-office advantage.

Pan-India Appeal:

The film will be released in five languages:

• Telugu

• Hindi

• Tamil

• Malayalam

• Kannada

This cross-market approach shows the film’s ambition to repeat the pan-India success of Baahubali and KGF.

OTT Rights:

Netflix has reportedly acquired the digital rights for the Hindi version, shelling out a whopping ₹100 crore. The film will premiere on Netflix a few weeks after the theatrical run, giving it a wide second wave of viewership.

Netizen Reactions

From fans to film critics, the internet is abuzz with excitement over Sanjay Dutt’s look:

• “Sanjay Baba in horror? That’s enough to make anyone scared!”

• “Looks like Dutt is going to give us goosebumps this winter!”

• “Prabhas and Dutt together in a haunted mansion? Take my money already!”

Hashtags like #TheRajaSaab, #SanjayDutt, and #HorrorComedy are already trending on X (formerly Twitter).

Why This Film Could Be a Game-Changer

1. Genre Innovation: Indian cinema rarely does horror-comedy at this scale. The Raja Saab could pioneer a new wave.

2. Sanjay Dutt's Reinvention: After years of gangster and warrior roles, this supernatural elder role offers a complete reinvention.

3. Prabhas’s Comeback Attempt: After mixed reactions to his recent releases, this genre shift could work in his favor.

4. Set Design & Visuals: With massive production value and VFX teams on board, the film promises theatrical grandeur.

   
   

Final Thoughts

Sanjay Dutt’s first look from The Raja Saab is not just a birthday tribute — it’s a powerful tease of what's to come. The poster sets a haunting tone, the cast promises top-tier performances, and the crew is stacked with visionaries in their craft. With its December release, The Raja Saab could very well be the year’s biggest surprise hit.

Whether you're a fan of horror, comedy, Prabhas, or Sanjay Dutt — this film deserves a spot on your watchlist.